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Bilstein shock lifespan

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Old May 18, 2006 | 06:14 PM
  #16  
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Markadeck
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From: Charlotte-Fairbanks-Bflo
Originally Posted by Erewind
I got mine at Rowells in Indian Trail three years ago. Good price then, don't know about now!! Most of the time you may be able to "dickker" about the $$$ I just got a RoadTamer rear suspension 'set-up' from them, and kept the same shocks.
That's exactly who and where I received the what I thought was a ridiculous price. Maybe it was the Alaska plates on my truck. I do know I ain't gonna pay anyone $110.00 plus tax to R and R 8 bolts for me. The price was in excess of $500.00. I was so surprised that it didn't sink in I suppose.
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 06:34 PM
  #17  
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I looked for my receipt for the price, but don't know where I put it. It seems to me that I paid around $75.00 ($300.00). Took them home and put them on in the driveway. No problem. Just don't cut the 'tie' before your ready to bolt up or you'll be fighting to 'push' them back in..
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 06:42 PM
  #18  
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From: Charlotte-Fairbanks-Bflo
Thank you, I see you can get them online for about $65.00, but if they are only ten bucks more it is worth it to me as I am leaving for Fairbanks in the next day or two and do not have the time to fool around.
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 07:06 PM
  #19  
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From: Robbinsville NJ
Originally Posted by EnviroCon
The SuperCab LWB has a 158" wheelbase. It's the CC SWB that has the 156.2" wheelbase.

They're actually really easy. Unbolt and take off the old shock, then put on the new shock and re-bolt. Someone else will have to chime in with the actual torque spec (or do a search). My general rule of thumb is to tighten them until the rubber bushing is the same size as the metal washer.
If I take the tire off, do I need to put a stand under the frame and axel so they don't move once the shock is taken off?
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 07:14 PM
  #20  
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From: Milky Way Galaxy
You really don't need to remove the tires to take the shocks off. But if you're going to, the vehicle needs to be safely supported under the frame with a jackstand while you're working on it. The shocks play no part in keeping the axle in position, only the springs do (in terms of vertical movement). so wherever the axle is at when you begin work is where it will stay when the shocks are removed. Or did I mis-understand the question?
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 07:14 PM
  #21  
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From: Charlotte-Fairbanks-Bflo
Originally Posted by rmilchman
If I take the tire off, do I need to put a stand under the frame and axel so they don't move once the shock is taken off?
Even I know the answer to this one. Yes to the stand, you do not want the axle to drop down. But why remove the tire in the first place?
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 07:43 PM
  #22  
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From: Robbinsville NJ
I was thinking it would be an easier reach removing the tires, especially in front.
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 08:00 PM
  #23  
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From: Milky Way Galaxy
I'm just saying you don't have to remove the wheels. And I won't argue with your reasoning, because it is most definitely easier to R/R the front shocks with the tires off. I'm just somewhat lazy and don't want to have to deal with removing and replacing the wheels. But if you have the time and don't mind, your body will probably be more appreciative if you take off the wheels.
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 08:58 PM
  #24  
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Markadeck
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From: Charlotte-Fairbanks-Bflo
I am not intending to hi-jack this thread, but do I really need to spend the bucks for Bilstiens when I do not really have the bucks? I am fixing to drive back to Alaska in the next few days and I just want a nice comfortable riding truck. Any recomendations for something maybe a little bit better than OEM will be appreciated.
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 09:28 PM
  #25  
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i bought a DR lift and bilsteins are coming with it, next wednesday. (5100's) i have heard that they do not give a "smooth/comfortable" ride, but they "firm the truck up" and make it ride more aggressive. not that this is a bad thing, as i love to drive my 2006 f-250 with the FX4 and ranchos, it handles alot firmer and feels tighter than my personal truck with stock rear shocks and junkers for the front i got with my leveling kit. i'll have more info back atcha when i get them on.
 
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Old May 19, 2006 | 08:09 AM
  #26  
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From: Robbinsville NJ
Originally Posted by EnviroCon
I'm just saying you don't have to remove the wheels. And I won't argue with your reasoning, because it is most definitely easier to R/R the front shocks with the tires off. I'm just somewhat lazy and don't want to have to deal with removing and replacing the wheels. But if you have the time and don't mind, your body will probably be more appreciative if you take off the wheels.
Tire's only take a couple of seconds to get off (air tools). If I do remove the tire and leave a jackstand on the axle will I need to support the frame also?

Any opinion on using locktite on the bolts?
 
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Old May 19, 2006 | 08:21 AM
  #27  
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From: Charlotte-Fairbanks-Bflo
Originally Posted by rmilchman
Tire's only take a couple of seconds to get off (air tools). If I do remove the tire and leave a jackstand on the axle will I need to support the frame also?

Any opinion on using locktite on the bolts?
I don't see why. The jackstand is doing the same thing the tire is doing. Where is the frame going to go? Locktite is 6 of 1 half dozen of another. Pretty much up to you. I have never had a shock bolt work itself free.
 
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Old May 19, 2006 | 10:41 AM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by rmilchman
If I do remove the tire and leave a jackstand on the axle will I need to support the frame also?
No. You do not need to support the frame separately.


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Old May 19, 2006 | 11:24 AM
  #29  
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From: Robbinsville NJ
Thanks for all the replies. Shocks should be in Tuesday, thinking about getting sick and doing the install on Friday.
 
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Old May 22, 2006 | 11:09 AM
  #30  
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Erewind
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From: Fort Mill, SC
For what it's worth, and my opinion, the Bilsteins DO give an easier ride, and do a better job than EOM shocks. I went a step farther and added VelvetRide shackles. I think it's a very fine ride. When loaded, I haul a 12,500# 5th camper and was on the overloads so I replaced the whole steel spring set-up for Airlift RoadTamer. I'm selling the VelvetRides. If anyone wants them, see my add in the For Sale section
 
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